California Legalizes Marijuana, Could Be A Tipping Point For The Industry

Recreational marijuana is now legal in California — and that’s a game changer for public health. Though 25 other states have already legalized weed for medicinal purposes and four for recreational purposes, the size and population of California puts its decision in a different league and it could lead the way to figuring out policy around the drug.

Current projections have Maine, Nevada, and Massachusetts voting to legalize recreational marijuana, while Arizona voted against legalizing recreational pot.

Medical marijuana was also on the ballot for several states. Current projections have North Dakota, Montana, Arkansas and Florida all expected to approve medical marijuana.

This may also put a lot more pressure on the federal government to lift its ban of the drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration has long classified cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, the most restrictive classification. This means it’s in the same category as heroin and monitored very closely. Just this August, the DEA rejected an appeal to stop classifying cannabis as Schedule I drug.

This election has been a tipping point for weed. The national conversation will increasingly focus on the health effects of weed, how best to regulate the suppliers and businesses, and the consequences for public health. Get ready.